A New York judge is expected to issue a ruling Friday that could shatter Donald Trump’s business empire and force him to pay up to $370 million over fraud allegations.

He is accused of unlawfully inflating his wealth and manipulating the value of his properties to obtain more favorable bank loans or insurance terms.

As the case is civil rather than criminal, there is no threat of jail time.

If, as is widely expected, Trump is held liable, the amount to be paid by the former president and his companies will be revealed in the judge’s final order.

Trump has seized on his legal woes to fire up his supporters and denounce Democratic opponent Joe Biden, reiterating claims that legal action was “just a way of hurting me in the election.”

This civil fraud trial is one of multiple cases Trump faces as he seeks to return to the White House, ranging from a hush money coverup allegation to conspiring to overturn the 2020 election result.

New York state attorney general Letitia James has sought $370 million from Trump to remedy the advantage he is alleged to have wrongfully obtained, as well as having him barred from conducting business in the state.

It was as a property developer and businessman in New York that Trump built his public profile which he used as a springboard into the entertainment industry and ultimately the presidency.

Trump repeatedly attacked James, calling her a “lunatic”, as well as smearing judge Arthur Engoron, who will decide the case without a jury, calling him “out of control.”